‘Biggest ransomware outbreak in history’ hits nearly 100 countries with data held for ransom

A massive cyber-extortion attack has locked computers and demanded payment for users’ files access across multiple hospitals, companies and government agencies worldwide. The attack has been attributed to a self-replicating piece of software exploiting vulnerabilities in older versions of Microsoft Windows. An unidentified malware encrypted data on computers, demanding payments of between $300 and $600 to restore access. The British National Health Service was the worst hit; however, Russia, Spain and Portugal have also been targeted. Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer at cybersecurity firm F-Secure, called the incident “the biggest ransomware outbreak in history”.